A round with Woods

The new MotionPlus accessory for Wii is out and already enhancing the Remote’s sensitivity in a handful of games, although it still lacks the killer app to make the public take the plunge in larger numbers. One question, though – does it work? We’ve been putting the device through its places on Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and, we have to say, yes, it really does!

The MotionPlus doesn’t look like much for the £22 or so Nintendo’s charging – buy it as part of a bundle for better value. It clamps surprisingly snugly to the bottom of the WiiMote too, although the jury is still out on the tacky rubber jacket it comes with. But moving on.

In use with Woods the benefits of MotionPlus are immediately apparent, as players are able to add draw or fade to their shots just as they would in the real sport, with deft directional twists of the wrist during the downswing. A manual option to do the same exists for players using the regular WiiMote. On top of that there’s definite satisfaction in seeing Tiger swing in almost perfect time with your own movements. All good so far, then.

And all good for gamers with perfect golf swings too, since such finely-honed skills are necessary in order to avoid unintended hooks into the nearest lake. But here’s the rub – you can do everything you need to in-game without having to use the MotionPlus. Indeed, we found it both easier and more accurate to do things the old-fashioned way. And, in the name of keeping our scores down, we didn’t feel very inspired to plug the MotionPlus back in afterwards either.

But we’re probably missing the point and, we daresay, practice will make perfect in the longer term. Moreover, the integration of this new tech in a familiar gaming environment is certainly successful even if it isn’t strictly needed. It also augurs very well for the future of the device and, of course, Wii Sports Resort, which hits retail on July 24th.

So, all things considered, it’s a tentative thumbs-up from us for the Wii MotionPlus. How have you been finding it?